File No. 763.72119/1209

The Ambassador in Russia ( Francis) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

2293. Trotsky, speaking last night to Soviet over two hours, exhibited maps showing German demands and virtually stated no separate peace possible, but said armed resistance impossible and negotiations would continue. Organizing of Red Guard into volunteer army abandoned.

Stated war existed between Rumania and Russia and Rumanian Minister would be given passports immediately. Also criticized French severely, charging French artillery had fired on Russian troops; asserted French and English had aided Cossacks and Ukraine; did not neglect America, calling our Government imperialistic and capitalistic, but made no specific charges of unfriendly acts. Said separate peace would prevent social revolution in Germany, which is endeavoring to incite by propaganda.

[Page 360]

Saw Rumanian Minister 6 o’clock when had received no communication from Soviet, but was packing preparatory leaving. Said not heard from Government for fifteen days and knew nothing of occurrences there; that Bessarabia had declared independence and Rumania irresponsible for occurrences in Moldavian republic, which name assumed by Bessarabia. French Ambassador says received no instructions on the subject in your 2014.1

Germans would be pleased by departure Allied missions, but I think I should remain even if others go.

Francis
  1. Post, p. 481.